Theater, Entertainment and Lifestyle in Orange County

Do you enjoy art, theater and music?Have you ever thought about posing on a stage?Do you enjoy being in the spotlight?And can you stand still for 90 seconds?

Perfect! You could be a volunteer cast-member in the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach.

The world-famous Pageant of the Masters is looking for volunteers to participate in the 2016 summer presentation of “Partners”

People of all sizes and ages are needed to be cast members in the world’s most famous presentation of tableaux vivants (living pictures). No theater experience necessary.

Don’t like being on stage? There are other fun ways to help out. Volunteers are needed for positions in the wardrobe, make up, and headdress departments, as well as cast area coordinators and refreshment servers, among other positions.

Casting call is a fun experience for all involved. Prospective volunteers will be measured and photographed, enjoy refreshments and meet the behind-the-scenes pageant staff. No theater experience is necessary. The only requirement is the ability to stand still and have fun.

Performances: November 27 – December 27 (Fri, Sat 3pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm). NOTE: There will be no performances on December 24 or 25. There will be an added 3pm performance on Friday, November 27.

Pay Rate: There is some pay.

Synopsis: Generations of readers have adored the best-selling novel Anne of Green Gables, and now the musical adaptation of the beloved book hits the stage at Chance Theater. The Cuthberts expect to adopt a boy, but receive, instead, a red-haired, wide eyed orphan girl. Though clever young Anne Shirley has a penchant for getting into trouble, she works her way into the hearts of her adoptive parents as well as the residents of rural Prince Edward Island. It’s a heartwarming story for the whole family.

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A man attempts to reunite with family he never knew. Little does the man suspect that this experience will test the man’s endurance, his love, and, most potently, his faith. At once darkly comic and deeply moving, this Obie Award winning play takes a sardonic yet empathetic tone as it delves into conviction, redemption, and the opening of minds in the Midwest.

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Have you been to SoCo in Costa Mesa to check out all the cool stores? It’s got a relaxed SoCal vibe, perfect for strolling around outdoors in the lovely Fall weather that’s approaching. One of my favorite finds at SoCo is the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, where you can explore animation artwork, pick up a pencil and nurture your creative side, let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they create drawings and paintings in free workshops.

My favorite event is Palate and Palettes, a wine tasting and creativity workshop. Friends can sip some Syrah and paint perfectly poignant pictures. If you can partake of this particular workshop then say that last sentence, I tip my hat to you!

Heck, CJCC has even added a six week intermediate/advanced painting class for adults serious about improving their painting skills. Keep reading for more details on all the above happenings.

Drop In and Draw Saturdays

Held most Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. It’s a great place to express yourself creatively. Good for children of all ages (must be accompanied by an adult.) Free, but a nominal donation is suggested to help cover the costs of materials. Check the calendar for all class dates. Cost: FREE

Adult Intermediate and Advanced Painting Class

Monday evenings, September 21st - October 26th, students will work with Teaching Artist Robert A. Richert. Robert earned a BA degree in illustration and biomedical art at Cal-State, Long Beach. He has been a professional artist for 33 years, and his paintings hang in fine art galleries.

30 minute consultation required before first day of class. Robert will evaluate your skill level and understanding about the fundamentals of painting. Fundamentals include: color theory, composition, perspective, light and form, structure and space, drawing skills, brush strokes, and more. This will allow Robert to teach around your established skill set and provide you with constructive, positive feedback.

For the first class, please bring 3-5 pieces of your artwork or images from your portfolio. The actual artwork is preferred. During classes students are allowed the option to begin a brand new piece or bring a painting in progress.Supplies will not be provided; each student must bring his or her own brushes and paints and take them home at the end of every class. Minimum 5 students required.

Palate and Palettes

Wine Tasting and Creativity Workshop

Wine tasting by LCA Wine, nibbles will be provided by the Center. Enjoy an evening painting your own perfect masterpiece with a sweetheart, loved one, neighbor or a group of friends. All materials will be provided, including a 16×20 canvas. An experienced teaching artist will guide and nurture your creativity. Bring your own image you’d like to recreate or choose one of the center’s canvases to recreate.

Cost: $35 per person, or $45 for a couple. Contact the center for group rates.

“There is a muscularity, not to mention wisdom and truth, to Seth’s techniques. He is a wonderful teacher, and I know that having him as my first guide is one of the luckiest things to have happened to me in my career and life.” —Anne Hathaway, from her Foreword

“Seth Barrish has coached me on almost every TV project, film or audition I’ve done since we met ten years ago. When it comes to wisdom about acting, there’s no one I hold in higher regard.” —Mike Birbiglia, comedian, director, actor

“Seth’s approach and understanding is awesome. He makes it very easy to act by telling you not to act and be natural. It could be as simple as having something in your hand, creating business while you deliver a line to make it seem natural and comfortable. His book is amazing—it’s basically the actor’s blueprint.” —Jay Pharoah, actor, comedian

“In Seth’s class I often watch him transform a student’s good, yet average performance into a precise and exhilarating one, with just one simple adjustment. I am constantly blown away by how he does this. This book explains it.” —Sarita Choudhury, actor

“This book is truly unlike anything else I know—these pieces are haikus on specific elements of performance and character building.” —Philip Himberg, Sundance Theatre Institute

An Actor’s Companion is ideal for both seasoned professionals and beginning actors. The tips and exercises are simple and direct, and easy to apply in both rehearsal and performance.

Seth Barrish is an actor, director and co-founder of The Barrow Group, a theater company and acting school, in New York City. During his near forty-year career he has directed the award-winning My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend, Sleepwalk with Me, The Tricky Part, Pentecost, All the Rage and Old Wicked Songs.

Clooney apparently agreed to appear in the piece after being asked by his good friend, Hugh Bonneville, who plays the Earl of Grantham. The two met while filming The Monuments Men. And I thought it was just because Clooney’s gorgeous new wife loves Downton Abbey. Whatever the reason, it’s our gain, so watch these tongue-in-cheek Downton Abby / George Clooney mashups for the win!

Must have more?
As you wish.

And I guess it’s for ITV’s Text Santa fundraiser, so there’s that. Haven’t checked it out yet…too busy hitting rewind and staring dreamily into Clooney’s eyes (although my favorite part is Thomas, the footman, stealing the silver).

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Ever wonder what it would be like to step into a famous piece of art? I did it back in 1983 at the 50th anniversary of the Pageant of the Masters and I loved it.

If you can stand still for 90 seconds, you could experience being a part of a living piece of art pagby volunteering for the renowned Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach – “where art comes to life!” In preparation of the 2015 show, The Pursuit of Happiness, the Pageant is looking for men, women and children to volunteer. People of all sizes and ages are needed to be cast members in the world’s most famous presentation of tableaux vivants.

Casting call will be held at the Irvine Bowl Park (650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA) during the following times:

Next summer’s performances of the Pageant of the Masters will run nightly at 8:30pm from July 8 to August 31, 2015. Please call (949) 494-3663 for additional information.

Casting call is a fun experience for all involved. Prospective volunteers will be measured and photographed, enjoy refreshments and meet the behind-the-scenes Pageant staff. No theater experience is necessary. The only requirement is the ability to stand still and have fun.

“Over 500 volunteers, both onstage and behind-the-scenes, are needed to put on the show,” said Pageant director Diane Challis Davy. “Everyone has a great time backstage and many return year after year to take part in this one-of-a-kind performance. The Pageant just simply wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers!”

Pageant volunteers are also needed for positions in the wardrobe, make up, and headdress departments, as well as cast area coordinators and refreshment servers, among other positions.

Volunteering for the Pageant is a great way to spend your summer and it is common to have several generations of the same family volunteering for different aspects of the show. Additionally, by volunteering for the Pageant, students can earn credit towards community service requirements.

Be a part of the history of the arts in OC.

ABOUT THE PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS

The 2015 Pageant of the Masters, The Pursuit of Happiness, will be staged July 8 through August 31. Ticket prices range from $15 to $230. Tickets are on sale now by calling 1-800-487-3378 or online at www.PageantTickets.com. The Festival of Arts is a non-profit organization that produces The Festival of Arts – California’s Premier Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Proceeds support the arts in Orange County.

INTO THE WOODS is coming soon and we’ll be hitching up the mice to the pumpkin to the Disney Studios for an advance screening.

Into the Woods is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales in a musical format that follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel-all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them.

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Taking my tree climbing boy, who usually has rocks in his pockets and holes worn in his pants, to a ballet was bound to be an experience. The lights dimmed, the music swelled, the dancers began to spin a tale of a holiday party…..then a tap tap tap on my shoulder. My boy whispered, “Isn’t there any talking??” And thus began a boy’s first experience at the ballet. He moaned and groaned as the ballerinas lifted their party dolls in perfect unison. He tossed and turned in his seat in excruciating agony as the men in tights pirouetted at the party.

Then it happened. The fog rolled in as the party guests retired. Rodents with red beady eyes crept in and a fierce battle ensued between the mice and the toy soldiers. The boy perked up at the prospect of battle and if swords were used it couldn’t be all that bad.

Me? I marveled at the beauty of the dancers and the exquisite costumes. There’s something about ballerina pink tights and tutus that brings out the girlie girl in me. I was mesmerized by American Ballet Theatre’s principal dancer, Irina Dvorovenko, whose grace and femininity was intoxicating.

A little girl who sat near us would sneak into the aisle from time to time, to get a better look or to imitate the action onstage. Adorable. This Nutcracker is a lovely, non-stuffy introduction for kids to ballet. The Barclay Theatre is the perfect venue for an intimate theatrical experience where children can see all the action up close.

After the performance, as we walked to the parking garage my boy ran ahead and did a jaunty pirouette.

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In cities around the world, The Nutcracker has become a Christmas holiday tradition, and the holidays are not complete without seeing The Nutcracker live. OC peeps can share in the tradition at the Irvine Barclay Theater starting December 12th.

This full-length, traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, and features a cast of professional dancers and more than 100 Southern California children.